Finance News
Australian Equity Market Fact Whilst we always endeavor to look long term with our investments at the time of writing the Australian sharemarket is set to have its first negative year since 2011. This is of no surprise to many with the banks having capital requirement changes, the miners hit hard with falling commodity prices…
As we approach the year end we always review performance, and unfortunately the Australian share market only 2 weeks ago was around 2 1/2 year lows and is likely to finish in the negative which is the first time since 2011. The China slow down, the huge fall in commodity prices and the cutting of…
Scott Haywood, aka the Finance Guru appears daily on Fairfax Radio in Melbourne. In this role he often tackles some curly questions from his host, but offers sensible, down to earth advice that is communicated clearly and jargon free – aimed at everyday Australians. A CFP since 2000, Haywood won the Rainmaker Financial Planner of…
The sustained rise in power bills over the past several years has prompted a surge in the number of households who want to “do-it-yourself” by unplugging from the power grid – which may result in further declines in carbon emissions. As many as 90 per cent of households are looking to renewable energy alternatives such as solar panels and also battery storage or smart…
Christmas is the season of giving. Here are some tips on giving without suffering a new year financial hangover: Do a Christmas budget Reassess your gift list Use your debit card or lay-by Compare prices online Do a Christmas budget Create a budget for Christmas presents before you hit the shopping centre or online stores.…
Placing a lifetime cap on voluntary superannuation contributions could actually end up costing more money to the budget, a report by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) commissioned by the Greens found. The Greens commissioned the report in light of the growing number of voices advocating for a lifetime cap on voluntary contributions, as well as…
The benchmark ASX 200 has dropped back below 5000 and is approaching the lows reached late September as further falls in commodity prices and the shock of the Paris terrorist attacks hits the ASX. The big banks – a preferred way for foreigners to play the Aussie market – have taken a hit and are…
Although the US economy has had its ups and downs, the US dollar is still strong. Part of the reason why is how miserable the rest of the world has been doing, but another part is how well the economy has weathered the storm. In August, when the Chinese devalued their currency, the yuan, it…